SKIPPER Will Sparrow scored 66 off as many balls to help guide Ludlow to a 78-run victory over Shropshire League Premier Division strugglers Bomere Heath.

And he then took 3-21 to make it an excellent afternoon for the big-hitting spinner.

Batting first, openers Keanu Cooper (31) and Sam Edwards (15) put on 53 for the opening wicket only for Ludlow to stutter, losing two more without adding to the scoreboard.

That brought Sparrow to the crease and he stroked 12 fours before being caught with the score on 144-7.

Glen Whittaker added a useful 21 until he was run out before final pair Louis Watkins (14no) and Matt Kennedy (15no) dug in to see the visitors to 197-9 from their 50 overs.

In reply, Bomere were always in trouble once Watkins had opener Charles Wigley lbw for one.

Watkins finished with 2-29 from ten overs while Sam Alford took 2-24 as the home side were all out for 119 in the 40th over. Kennedy, Whittaker and Luke Miles took the other wickets.

Sparrow was happy with the win, particularly with the contribution made by the lower order.

He said: “It was a little bit like last week when we had a good start only to fall away a little.

“We knew that if we posted around 190 then that should have been enough for the win. At one point it looked as though we’d fall short but it was good that Glen, Louis and Matt had some fun at the end and chipped in with those 50 extra runs.

“Everything came good for me. I managed to score a few runs and then took some wickets so was able to continue my good form.”

Ludlow welcome Wem to The Burway on Saturday looking for a third straight win to see them keep the pressure on top two Sentinel and Quatt.